I have always been kind of a nut about safety.   It's nerdy, I know, but it's just one of those things I can't help.

As a result, one of the services I have been including for my clients has been to run their appliances through the Consumer Product Safety Commission database to see if they were the subject of recalls.

It takes me about 15 minutes, and I offer it for free as a part of my inspection service.

Maybe it sounds basic or insignificant at first blush - but I have found 10 recalled appliances (ovens, ranges, dishwashers) and those clients were VERY appreciative. 

The idea is that no one (not even me until a couple of years ago) ever checks the CPSC database to see if their appliances are ok.  And with GE recalling 2.5 million dishwashers, and Maytag recalling 2.3 million more dishwashers, and every child toy under the sun being painted with lead paint - all in the LAST YEAR ALONE - I figured maybe it was time to start doing this for people.

After all, I can't expect everyone to be a CPSC nerd like me, but when I see a Crown boiler that may have been recalled for carbon monoxide poisoning hazard, I am sure that they like having the info!

Now, maybe you are sitting there wondering if your GE dishwasher is going to short out and catch fire (it might).  Or maybe you are thinking "Do I have a dangerous heater?" (probably not, most recalls are for kitchen appliances).  Or maybe even you are saying to yourself: "What a great idea, I have to use this guy for my inspections" (you can)!

Or maybe, just maybe, you will log on just to play around and check your own appliances and sign up for the email alerts.  And then email your friends, relatives and clients and see if they are curious.

It isn't hard to do:  Just go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html and you can search by appliance type (oven, for example), or brand (GE), or even by hazard type.

The recall notices are very descriptive and all include a photo of the recalled item and information on where to read the serial number to identify your model and serial number.  (If I knew how to insert a screen shot of one, I would attach it here).

This is a great thoughtful little tidbit to pass along to expecting mothers or clients with small children, since there is an email alert for toys and children's products. 

I hope you find this useful, helpful, and - who knows - maybe even a little bit interesting! (I'll settle for 2 out of 3).